Velocities: Shii-Cho

Shii-Cho Velocities

Velocities

Velocities are two person exercises that help familiarize one with the realities of combat. While rehearsed, the patterns and combinations are the most common and basic of swordplay. Careful practice and study can yield much insight into dueling.

Please always wear Protective Equipment when practicing with a partner. Not only for your own safety but for your partner's piece of mind as well. Play safe play hard.

The Nucleus

The First velocity is called "The Nucleus". It is the most primary and basic of all exchanges and should be mastered by every student wishing to gain proficiency. The name is two fold, referring to both the tight center the exercise moves around, and it's importance in the progression of skill.

Attack

Defend

Zone 3 attack

Zone 3 parry

Zone 6 attack

Zone 6 parry

Zone 5 attack

Zone 5 parry

Step across, sai tok zone 3

Overhead block zone 3

Drop parry zone 3

Sai cha zone 3

Step back center guard

Step back center guard

The Kessel Run

The next velocity is "The Kessel Run". It is concerned with backward and forward movement. In the forward it advances and keep the pressure on, when moving backward, it is looking to break the opponents rhythm and change to advancing.

(Master's note: This exercise can often tell the teacher if the student should progress to Ataru or Soresu first in their training

Attack

Defend

Sai tok zone 1 A

Overhead block zone 3 R

Shiim kai zone 1.2 A

Parry zone 1.2 R

Shiim kai zone 1.3 A

Parry zone 1.3 R

Shiim kai zone 1.2 A

Parry zone 1.2 R

Parry zone 5 R

Sai tok zone 5 A

Parry zone 6 R

Sai tok zone 6 A

Parry zone 5 R

Sai tok zone 5 A

Overhead bock zone 3 R

Sai tok zone 1 A

YouTube Video

The Third velocity is "3 of each" and is concerned with the dynamic of defense and attack. Each player is essentially performing the same strike three times at the various levels. These can be combined with any foot work or order. It can be done as a matching set (pre arranged) or a free sparring exercise (not prearranged) and anything in between.